WO2012060089A1 - Relay - Google Patents

Abstract

A relay is provided with a pair of fixed terminals which each have a fixed contact point on one end surface, a movable contact having a pair of movable contact points which each face a fixed contact point, and a driving mechanism for moving the movable contact. The movable contact is provided with a center section located between the pair of movable contact points and more towards a second side than the movable contact points, and a pair of extended sections located between the center section and the pair of movable contact points and extending in a direction containing the movement direction component, wherein the second side represents the side in which the movable contact points are located and a first side represents the side in which the fixed contact points are located in relation to the movement direction of the movable contact. At least one of the pair of extended sections at least partially overlaps with the end surface located on the same side as the center section when the relay is vertically projected on a predetermined plane that is perpendicular to the movement direction.

Description

relay

The present invention relates to a relay.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there is known a relay provided with a pair of fixed contacts, a movable contact having a pair of movable contacts, and a movable iron core and a coil for moving the movable contact (for example, Patent Document 1).

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 9-320437 gazette JP 2002-42628 A JP 2004-355847 A

In this type of relay, in a state where the coil is energized (ON state of the relay), an electromagnetic repulsive force may be generated by a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the relay. The electromagnetic repulsive force is a Lorentz force acting in a direction in which the movable contact is pulled away from the fixed contact with respect to the current in the predetermined direction flowing through the movable contact.

There is a possibility that the contact between the fixed contact and the movable contact can not be stably maintained due to the generation of the electromagnetic repulsive force. In particular, in a system in which a relay is arranged, when a large current (eg, 5000 A or more) flows in the relay, a large electromagnetic repulsive force acts on the movable contact. As a result, when the relay is in the ON state, the contact between the fixed contact and the movable contact may not be stably maintained. In addition, when the fixed contact and the movable contact are separated due to a large electromagnetic repulsive force generated by the flow of a large current in the relay, a large current arc discharge (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "arc") may occur between the contacts. . If a large current arc occurs, the relay may be damaged.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of reducing the electromagnetic repulsive force in a relay.

The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-245522 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-6553 are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, and can be realized as the following modes or application examples.

Application Example 1 A pair of fixed terminals each having a fixed contact on one end surface,
A movable contact having a pair of movable contacts respectively facing the fixed contacts;
A drive mechanism for moving the movable contact to bring the movable contact into contact with the opposing fixed contact;
In the movement direction of the movable contact, the side on which the fixed contact is positioned is the first side, and the side on which the movable contact is positioned is the second side.
The movable contact is
A central portion positioned between the pair of movable contacts in a path connecting the pair of movable contacts on the movable contact, and positioned on a second side of the movable contacts;
And a pair of extending portions positioned between the central portion and the pair of movable contacts in the path and extending in a direction including the movement direction component,
At least one of the pair of extending portions is
A relay according to claim 1, wherein when said relay is vertically projected onto a predetermined plane perpendicular to said moving direction, at least a part thereof overlaps with said one end surface located on the same side with respect to said central portion.

According to the relay described in Application Example 1, the extension portion has a relation at least partially overlapping with the one end surface having the fixed contact. Also, the extension portion extends in the direction including the movement direction component. Therefore, the current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion of the movable contact can be reduced. Thereby, the electromagnetic repulsive force can be reduced as compared with the case where the movable contact has a flat plate shape extending in the orthogonal direction or the case where the extension portion does not overlap with the one end surface. The details of the electromagnetic repulsive force will be described later.

Application Example 2 In the relay according to Application Example 1,
The extension portion having the relationship is
Having the movable contact on a first end face located on the first side;
The relay according to claim 1, wherein the first end face of the extension portion having the relationship has a curved surface shape convex to the first side.
According to the relay described in Application Example 2, since the first end face has a curved surface shape that is convex toward the first side, it flows in the vicinity of the contact portion compared to the case where the first end face has a planar shape. The current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current can be further reduced. Thereby, the electromagnetic repulsive force can be further reduced.

Application Example 3 In the relay according to Application Example 1,
The movable contact is further
It has a pair of opposing parts which respectively extend from the pair of extending parts in a direction intersecting the moving direction and which respectively oppose the pair of fixed contacts,
The relay according to claim 1, wherein the pair of opposing portions have the movable contact on an opposing surface that faces the fixed contact.
According to the relay described in Application Example 3, the volume of the movable contact in the vicinity of the contact portion can be increased by having the facing portion as compared with the case where the facing portion is not provided. Thus, the temperature in the vicinity of the contact portion of the movable contact heated by the occurrence of the arc can be rapidly reduced.

Application Example 4 In the relay according to Application Example 3,
Among the surfaces of the movable contact, a first surface located on the fixed contact side has a connecting surface connecting the extending portion having the relationship and the opposing portion extending from the extending portion having the relationship. A relay characterized by
According to the relay described in Application Example 4, the connection surface connecting the extension portion and the opposite portion allows the orthogonality of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion using the connection surface even when the movable contact has the opposite portion. The current density of the directional component can be reduced. Thereby, the relay of the application example 4 can reduce electromagnetic repulsion compared with the case where it does not have a connection surface.

Application Example 5 In the relay according to Application Example 4,
A relay according to claim 1, wherein when said relay is vertically projected on said predetermined plane, at least a part of said connection surface is in a relation overlapping with said one end surface.
According to the relay described in Application Example 5, since the connection surface overlaps with the one end surface, the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion is compared with the case where the connection surface does not overlap with the one end surface. The current density can be reduced. Thereby, the relay of the application example 5 can reduce an electromagnetic repulsive force more effectively using a connection surface.

Application Example 6 In the relay according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5,
The relay according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion having the relationship extends along the moving direction.
According to the relay described in Application Example 6, since the extension portion extends in the moving direction, more current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion flows in the moving direction. Thereby, the current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion can be further reduced. Therefore, the relay of application example 7 can further reduce the electromagnetic repulsive force.

Application Example 7 In the relay according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 5,
A direction in which the extension portion having the relationship extends includes a facing direction component which is orthogonal to the moving direction and in which the pair of fixed terminals face each other,
The extending portion having the relationship is the movable contact positioned on the opposite side with respect to the central portion as going from the movable contact side located on the same side with respect to the central portion in the opposing direction from the movable contact side to the central portion A relay, characterized in that it is directed to the side.
According to the relay described in Application Example 7, the extending portion extends in the direction including the opposing direction component in which the pair of fixed terminals face each other, and the movable contact located on the opposite side from the movable contact side located on the same side with respect to the central portion. Extend to the side. Thereby, the length of the movable contact connecting the pair of movable contacts can be shortened. Thus, the electrical resistance of the movable contact can be reduced. In addition, since the length of the movable contact can be shortened, the weight of the movable contact can be reduced. Thereby, even when the movable contact collides with another component of the relay due to an external impact or the like, the possibility that the contact between the movable contact and the fixed contact opens (is separated) can be reduced. .

Application Example 8 In the relay according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 7,
The relay according to claim 1, wherein the one end surface located on the same side as the extension portion having the relation with respect to the central portion is a curved surface shape convex to the second side.
According to the relay described in Application Example 8, one end surface having the fixed contact has a curved surface shape convex to the second side. Thereby, compared with the case where the one end surface is a planar shape, parallel and opposite components of the current flowing in the movable contact and the fixed terminal in the region near the contact portion where the movable contact and the fixed contact contact each other Current density can be reduced. Therefore, when the relay is in the ON state, the possibility of separation of the fixed contact and the movable contact can be reduced.

Application Example 9 In the relay according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 8,
The relay according to claim 1, wherein the movable contact is formed by a single member.
According to the relay described in Application Example 9, the movable contact can be easily manufactured by forming the movable contact with a single member. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the relay can be reduced.

The present invention can be realized in various forms, and can be realized, for example, in the form of a relay, a method of manufacturing a relay, or a mobile body such as a vehicle equipped with a relay, a ship, or the like.

It is explanatory drawing of the electric circuit 1 provided with the relay 5 which concerns on 1st Example. FIG. 6 is a first external view of the relay 5; FIG. 5 is a second external view of the relay 5; FIG. 7 is a third external view of the relay 5; It is a figure for demonstrating the force which acts on a movable contact. It is 4-4 sectional drawing of the relay main body 6 of a present Example. It is a perspective view of the relay main body 6 shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the relationship between the one end surface 16 and the 2nd member 54. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the relay 5a of 2nd Example. The one end face 16 and the extending part 54 a in the case of vertical projection are shown. The one end face 16 and the curved surface R1 in the case of vertical projection are shown. It is a figure for demonstrating the relay 5b of 3rd Example. It is a figure for demonstrating the relay 5c of 4th Example. It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st aspect of a 1st modification. It is a figure for demonstrating the 2nd aspect of a 1st modification. It is a figure for demonstrating a 2nd modification. It is a figure for demonstrating movable contact 50d.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order.
A to D. Each example:
E. Modification:

A. First embodiment:
A-1. Schematic configuration of relay:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an electric circuit (system) 1 provided with a relay 5 according to the first embodiment. The electric circuit 1 is mounted on, for example, a vehicle. The electric circuit 1 includes a DC power supply 2, a relay 5, an inverter 3, and a motor 4. The inverter 3 converts the direct current of the direct current power supply 2 into an alternating current. The alternating current converted by the inverter 3 is supplied to the motor 4 to drive the motor 4. The vehicle travels by driving the motor 4. The relay 5 is provided between the DC power supply 2 and the inverter 3 to open and close the electric circuit 1. That is, the electric circuit 1 is opened and closed by switching the ON state and the OFF state of the relay 5. For example, when an abnormality occurs in the vehicle, the relay 5 cuts off the electrical connection between the DC power supply 2 and the inverter 3.

FIG. 2 is a first external view of the relay 5. FIG. 3 is a second external view of the relay 5. FIG. 4 is a third external view of the relay 5. FIG. 2 also shows the internal configuration of the outer case 8 in solid lines for easy understanding. 3 and 4 omit illustration of the outer case 8 illustrated in FIG. The XYZ axes are shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 to identify the direction. Note that XYZ axes are illustrated as necessary in other drawings. In the present embodiment, the relay 5 is installed in a plane parallel to the X axis and the Y axis. When the relay 5 is installed on a flat surface, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction (height direction), the Z-axis positive direction is the vertically upward direction, and the Z-axis negative direction is the vertically downward direction. The Z-axis positive direction side is also referred to as the upper side (first side), and the Z-axis negative direction side is also referred to as the lower side (second side).

As shown in FIG. 2, the relay 5 includes a relay body 6 and an outer case 8 for protecting the relay body 6. The relay body 6 is provided with two fixed terminals 10. The two fixed terminals 10 are joined to the first container 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the fixed terminal 10 is formed with a connection port 12 for connecting the wiring of the electric circuit 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer case 8 has an upper case 7 and a lower case 9. The upper case 7 and the lower case 9 form a space for accommodating the relay body 6 inside. The upper case 7 and the lower case 9 are both molded of a resin material. The outer case 8 is provided with a permanent magnet 800 described later. The arc is subjected to Lorentz force and stretched by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 800, thereby promoting arc extinction. In this embodiment, the permanent magnet 800 exerts Lorentz force on the pair of arcs so as to separate the pair of arcs generated inside the relay 5 from each other.

A-2. About the force acting on the movable contact:
Before describing the detailed configuration of the relay 5, the force acting on the movable contact will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a figure for demonstrating the force which acts on a movable contact. FIG. 5 is a schematic view in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 where the fixed contact and the movable contact are in contact in the 4-4 cross section of FIG. The movable contact 50z is moved along the Z-axis direction (vertical direction) by a drive mechanism described later.

When the current I flows in the relay when the relay is in the ON state, various forces Fe, Fd, Fp act on the movable contact 50z. For example, among the current I flowing from the fixed terminal 10z toward the movable contact 50z, the current Ia flowing in the moving direction (vertical direction, Z-axis direction) of the movable contact 50z through the contact portion S1 is in the vicinity of the contact portion S1. A magnetic field Ma in a predetermined rotational direction is generated in the region about the current Ia. The predetermined rotation direction is a counterclockwise direction when FIG. 5 is viewed from the Z-axis negative direction side. That is, in the plane shown in FIG. 5, the direction of the magnetic field Ma in the region on the right side of the current Ia is the direction from the X-axis negative direction side to the X-axis positive direction side. In the plane shown in FIG. 5, the direction of the magnetic field Ma in the region on the left side of the current Ia is the direction from the positive side of the X-axis to the negative side of the X-axis.

Here, of the current flowing through the movable contact 50z, the magnetic field by the current Ia is fixed with respect to the currents Id and Ie in the direction (also referred to as “horizontal direction”) orthogonal to the moving direction D1 of the movable contact 50z. Lorentz forces Fd and Fe are applied in a direction (Z-axis negative direction, downward) in which the movable contact is pulled away from the contact 18z. Similarly, when current flows from the movable contact 50z to the fixed terminal 10z, downward Lorentz forces Fe and Fd act on the current of the horizontal direction component of the current flowing through the movable contact 50z.

In addition, of currents flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1, Lorentz force acts on the currents of components parallel and opposite to each other by the magnetic field generated by one of the currents in the direction of separating the other from the other current. Do. For example, with respect to the current Ib and the current Id which are parallel and reverse components, the magnetic field generated by the current Ib causes the current Id to move the movable contact 50z away from the fixed contact 18z (in the negative direction of Z axis, downward) Lorentz Force Fp acts. Further, also with respect to the current Ic and the current Ie, the downward Lorentz force Fp acts on the current Ie. Similarly, also when a current flows from the movable contact 50z to the fixed terminal 10z, the downward Lorentz force Fp acts on the current of the horizontal direction component of the current flowing through the movable contact 50z.

As described above, when the fixed contact 18z contacts the movable contact 58z and a current flows in the relay, the force Fd, Fe, Fp on the movable contact in the direction of moving the movable contact 50z away from the fixed contact 18z. Works. The forces Fd, Fe, Fp are collectively referred to as "electromagnetic repulsive force".

A-3. Detailed configuration of relay:
FIG. 6 is a 4-4 cross-sectional view of the relay body 6 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the relay main body 6 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the relay body 6 includes a pair of fixed terminals 10, a movable contact 50, and a drive mechanism 90. Furthermore, the relay body 6 includes a first container 20 and a second container 92. An airtight space 100 is formed inside the relay main body 6 by the first container 20 and the second container 92. In the case where current is supplied from the DC power supply 2 to the motor 4, of the pair of fixed terminals 10, the side to which current flows is also referred to as positive fixed terminal 10W, and the side from which current flows is also referred to as negative fixed terminal 10X. . Moreover, below, the relay 5 in case an electric current is supplied to the motor 4 from DC power supply 2 is demonstrated. In addition, in FIG. 7, when a pair of fixed terminal 10 and the movable contact 50 contact, the electric current I which flows into the relay 5 is shown notionally.

The fixed terminal 10 is a member having conductivity. The fixed terminal 10 is formed of, for example, a metal material containing copper. The fixed terminal 10 is cylindrical with a bottom. The fixed terminal 10 has a terminal contact portion 19 at the bottom located at one end side (the negative side in the Z-axis). The terminal contact portion 19 may be formed of a metal material containing copper like the other portions of the fixed terminal 10, or a material having a higher heat resistance (for example, tungsten) to suppress damage by the arc 200. You may form. One end surface 16 formed by the terminal contact portion 19 of the fixed terminal 10 faces the movable contact 58 of the movable contact 50. Further, the end face 16 has a circular shape when vertically projected on a predetermined plane (horizontal plane in the present embodiment) perpendicular to the moving direction D1 of the movable contact 50. One end face 16 has a fixed contact 18 in contact with the movable contact 50. On the other end side (the Z-axis positive direction side) of the fixed terminal 10, a flange portion 13 which extends outward in the radial direction is formed. The fixed contact 18 is located inside the airtight space 100, and a part of the fixed terminal 10 is inserted into the first container 20 so that the flange portion 13 is located outside the airtight space 100.

The first container 20 is a member having an insulating property. The first container 20 is formed of, for example, a ceramic such as alumina or zirconia, and is excellent in heat resistance. In the present embodiment, alumina is used for the first container. The first container 20 has a side portion 22 forming a side surface, and a bottom portion 24 from which a part of the fixed terminal 10 protrudes. One end of the first container 20 facing the bottom 24 (in other words, the side on which the second container 92 is disposed) is open. The bottom portion 24 is formed with two through holes 26 through which the pair of fixed terminals 10 pass.

The flange portion 13 of each fixed terminal 10 is airtightly joined to the outer surface (a surface exposed to the outside) of the bottom portion 24 of the first container 20. Specifically, the fixed terminal 10 is joined to the first container 20 by the following configuration. A diaphragm portion 17 for suppressing breakage of a joint portion between the fixed terminal 10 and the first container 20 is formed on a surface of the outer surface of the flange portion 13 facing the bottom portion 24 of the first container 20. ing. The diaphragm portion 17 is formed in order to relieve the generated stress of the joint portion caused by the thermal expansion difference between the fixed terminal 10 and the first container 20 which are different in material. The diaphragm portion 17 has a cylindrical shape having a larger inside diameter than the through hole 26. The diaphragm portion 17 is formed of an alloy such as Kovar, for example, and is joined to the outer surface of the bottom portion 24 of the first container 20 by brazing. For brazing, for example, silver solder is used. When the fixed terminal 10 and the diaphragm part 17 are separate bodies, the flange part 13 of the fixed terminal 10 and the diaphragm part 17 are brazed. The diaphragm portion 17 and the fixed terminal 10 may be integrated.

The second container 92 includes a cylindrical iron core container 80 having a bottom, a rectangular base 32, and a substantially rectangular joint member 30.

The bonding member 30 is formed of, for example, a low thermal expansion metal material relatively close to the thermal expansion coefficient of the first container 20. The bonding member 30 is formed of a magnetic body (for example, 42 alloy or Kovar) or a nonmagnetic body (for example, Ni-28Mo-2Fe). The bonding member 30 of the present embodiment is a magnetic body. The bonding member 30 is airtightly bonded to the first container 20 and the base portion 32, respectively. For example, the joining member 30 and the first container 20 are joined by brazing. Further, the bonding member 30 and the base portion 32 are bonded by laser welding, resistance welding, electron beam welding or the like. The bonding member 30 may be formed by a single member or may be formed by combining a plurality of members having different characteristics.

The base portion 32 is a magnetic body, and is formed of, for example, a metal magnetic material such as iron or stainless steel 430. In the vicinity of the center of the base portion 32, a through hole for inserting a fixed iron core 70 described later is formed.

The core container 80 is a nonmagnetic material. The iron core container 80 is open at the upper side facing the bottom. The iron core case 80 is airtightly joined to the base portion 32 using laser welding or the like.

The airtight space 100 is formed inside the relay 5 by airtightly joining each member 10, 20, 30, 32, 80 as mentioned above. In order to suppress heat generation of the fixed contact 18 and the movable contact 58 caused by the generation of the arc 200, hydrogen or a gas mainly composed of hydrogen is sealed in the hermetic space 100 at atmospheric pressure or higher (for example, 2 atmospheric pressure). Specifically, after joining the respective members 10, 20, 30, 32, 80, the airtight space 100 is disposed via the ventilation pipe 69 arranged to connect the inside and the outside of the airtight space 100 shown in FIG. Vacuum inside. Then, after evacuation, a gas such as hydrogen is sealed in the air-tight space 100 to a predetermined pressure via the ventilation pipe 69. After sealing a gas such as hydrogen at a predetermined pressure, the aeration pipe 69 is crimped so that the gas such as hydrogen does not leak from the hermetic space 100 to the outside.

The movable contact 50 is located in the airtight space 100. The movable contact 50 moves so as to contact and separate (contact and separate) the fixed contact 18 by the operation of the drive mechanism 90. In detail, the movable contact 50 moves in a direction (vertical direction, Z-axis direction) in which the fixed contact 18 and the movable contact 58 face each other. When the movable contact 50 contacts the pair of fixed terminals 10, the pair of fixed terminals 10 are electrically connected. The movable contact 50 is disposed to face the two fixed terminals 10. The movable contact 50 is a member having conductivity, and is formed of, for example, a metal material containing copper.

The movable contact 50 has a first member 55 and a pair of second members 54. The first member 55 is in the form of a horizontal flat plate. The second member 54 is rod-shaped. In the present embodiment, the second member 54 corresponds to the “stretching portion” described in the means for solving the problem.

The first member 55 is located on the lower side (second side) of the movable contact 58 of the second member 54. The second member 54 is provided corresponding to the pair of fixed terminals 10.

In a path (shortest path) connecting the pair of movable contacts 58 on the movable contact 50, the first member 55 has a central portion 52 located between the pair of movable contacts 58. The central portion 52 is positioned between the pair of movable contacts 58 in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction D1 and in the opposing direction (Y-axis direction) in which the pair of fixed terminals 10 is opposed. The central portion 52 is located below (the second side) the pair of movable contacts 58. The central portion 52 is a portion located at the center of the first member 55. In the central portion 52, a member constituting a drive mechanism 90 described later is inserted. Specifically, the rod 60 is inserted into the through hole 53 formed in the central portion 52. The above path can also be said to be the path of the current flowing through the movable contact 50.

The second member 54 is fixed to the first member 55. The second member 54 extends from the first member 55 towards the corresponding fixed contact 18. The second member 54 has a length equal to or greater than the thickness of the first member 55 in the moving direction D1. The second member 54 has a substantially circular cross section orthogonal to the moving direction D1. In the present embodiment, the second member 54 extends along the moving direction D1 of the movable contact 50. An upper end surface 51 (also referred to as a “first end surface 51”) of each second member 54 faces the one end surface 16. The first end face 51 has a movable contact 58 in contact with the fixed contact 18. That is, in the path of the movable contact 50 connecting the pair of movable contacts 58, each second member 54 is positioned between the central portion 52 and each movable contact 58. Further, the diameter of the end surface portion 57 a including the first end surface 51 located on the upper side of the second member 54 does not matter. The diameter of the end face portion 57 a is preferably larger than that of the other portion 57 b directly fixed to the first member 55. By doing this, the volume of the end surface portion 57a can be increased as compared with the case where the end surface portion 57a has the same diameter as that of the other portion 57b. Thereby, even when the end face portion 57a is heated when the arc 200 is generated at the time of opening and closing of the contact points 18 and 58, or at the time of continuous energization, heat diffusion of the end face portion 57a can be promoted. Therefore, the temperature of the end face portion 57a can be rapidly reduced.

Here, when the outer edge of the one end face 16 is virtually moved along the movement direction D1, at least a part of the second member 54 is located on the same side with respect to the central portion 52 in the Y-axis direction. It is located inside the outer edge of one end face 16. In the present embodiment, at least a portion of the second member 54 is positioned inside the outer edge of the one end surface 16 across the portion of the second member 54 from the first end face 51 to the central portion 52. For ease of understanding, FIG. 6 shows the outline Ya in a dotted line when the outer edge of the end face 16 is virtually moved in the movement direction D1.

Before describing another configuration of the relay 5, the relationship between the end face 16 and the second member 54 will be described from another viewpoint using FIG. FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the relationship between the end face 16 and the second member 54. As shown in FIG. In detail, FIG. 8 shows one end face 16 and the second member 54 when the relay 5 is vertically projected on a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1. As shown in FIG. 8, when the relay 5 is vertically projected, the second member 54 is in a relation at least partially overlapping with the one end surface 16 located on the same side with respect to the central portion 52. In the present embodiment, the other portion 57 b of the extending portion 54 is positioned inside the contour of the end face 16.

Referring back to FIGS. 6 and 7, another configuration of the relay 5 will be described. The relay 5 further includes a third container 34. The third container 34 is housed in the airtight space 100. Also, the third container 34 has a concave shape and is disposed on the base portion 32. The third container 34 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin or ceramic insulator. The third container 34 prevents, for example, the arc 200 generated between the fixed contact 18 and the movable contact 58 from impinging on a conductive member (for example, a bonding member 30 described later). In addition, the third container 34 prevents, for example, the arc 200 from hitting the joint portion between the members. As described above, by providing the third container 34, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the relay 5 may be broken due to the occurrence of the arc 200. Furthermore, by providing the third container 34, rotation of the movable contact 50 can be prevented.

The drive mechanism 90 includes a rod 60, a base portion 32, a fixed core 70, a movable core 72, a container 80 for an iron core, a coil 44, a coil bobbin 42, a container 40 for a coil, and a first elastic member. And a second spring 64 as an elastic member. The driving mechanism 90 moves the movable contact 50 in a direction (vertical direction, Z-axis direction) in which the movable contact 58 and the fixed contact 18 face each other, in order to bring each movable contact 58 into contact with each fixed contact 18. Specifically, the drive mechanism 90 moves the movable contacts 50 to bring the movable contacts 58 into contact with the fixed contacts 18 and to pull the movable contacts 58 away from the fixed contacts 18. The coil 44 is wound around a hollow cylindrical resin coil bobbin 42.

The coil container 40 is a magnetic body, and is formed of, for example, a metal magnetic material such as iron. The coil container 40 has a concave shape. Specifically, the coil container 40 is formed of a bottom surface and a pair of side surfaces extending in the vertical direction (moving direction D1) from the bottom surface. Moreover, the through-hole for accommodating the container 80 for iron cores inside is formed. The coil case 40 encloses the coil 44 to pass a magnetic flux, and forms a magnetic circuit together with a base portion 32, a fixed iron core 70 and a movable iron core 72 which will be described later.

At the bottom of the bottomed cylindrical iron core container 80, a rubber 86 for easing the impact of the movable iron core 72 on the relay 5 is disposed. The iron core case 80 is disposed in a through hole inside the coil bobbin 42.

The stationary core 70 is substantially cylindrical. A through hole 70 h is formed in the fixed core 70 from the upper end to the lower end. The fixed core 70 is mostly accommodated in the core container 80.

The movable core 72 is substantially cylindrical. In the movable core 72, a through hole 72h is formed from the upper end to the lower end. By energizing the coil 44, the movable core 72 is attracted to the fixed core 70 and moves upward.

The rod 60 is nonmagnetic. The rod 60 has a cylindrical shaft portion 60a, an arc-shaped one end 60c provided at one end of the shaft portion 60a, and the other end 60b provided at the other end of the shaft portion 60a. One end 60 c is fixed to the movable core 72. The other end 60 b is disposed on the opposite side of the central portion 52 from the side where the one end 60 c is disposed. The other end 60 b restricts the movement of the movable contact 50 toward the fixed terminal 10 by the second spring 64 when the drive mechanism 90 is not driven (the coil 44 is not energized). One end portion 60 c is used to interlock the rod 60 with the movement of the movable core 72 when the drive mechanism 90 is driven.

A mounting member 67 for arranging the first spring 62 is arranged on the shaft portion 60a. The attachment member 67 includes a C ring 67g fixed to the shaft 60a and a pedestal 67f disposed on the C ring 67g.

The first spring 62 is a coil spring. One end of the first spring 62 abuts on the pedestal 67 f and the other end abuts on the movable contact 50. The first spring 62 urges the movable contact 50 in a direction (Z-axis positive direction, upward direction) in which the movable contact 58 and the fixed contact 18 approach.

The second spring 64 is a coil spring. One end of the second spring 64 abuts on the movable core 72, and the other end abuts on the stationary core 70. The second spring 64 biases the movable core 72 in the direction (the Z-axis negative direction, downward direction) in which the movable core 72 is separated from the fixed core 70.

Next, the operation of the relay 5 will be described. When the coil 44 is energized, the movable core 72 is attracted to the fixed core 70. That is, the movable core 72 approaches the fixed core 70 against the biasing force of the second spring 64 and abuts on the fixed core 70. When the movable core 72 moves upward, the rod 60 and the movable contact 50 move upward. Thereby, the fixed contacts 18 and the corresponding movable contacts 58 come into contact with each other. Further, in the contact state of the fixed contact 18 and the movable contact 58, the first spring 62 biases the movable contact 50 toward the fixed contact 18 side, whereby the contact between the fixed contact 18 and the movable contact 58 is stably maintained. Ru.

On the other hand, when the coil 44 is de-energized, the movable iron core 72 moves downward so as to be separated from the fixed iron core 70 mainly by the biasing force of the second spring 64. Thereby, the movable contact 50 is also moved downward (in a direction away from the fixed contact 18) by being pushed by the other end 60b of the rod 60. Therefore, each movable contact 58 is pulled away from each fixed contact 18, and the conduction between the two fixed terminals 10 is interrupted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the arc 200 generated when the fixed contact 18 and the movable contact 58 are opened and closed is stretched outward of the hermetic space 100 by the magnetic field formed by the permanent magnet 800 (FIG. 4). In particular, the pair of arcs 200 are drawn apart by permanent magnets 800.

As described above, the relay 5 of the first embodiment has the second member 54 in which the movable contact 50 extends in the direction including the moving direction D1 (FIG. 6). When the relay 5 is vertically projected on a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1, the second members 54 respectively located between the movable contacts 58 and the central portion 52 have at least a part at one end face 16 There is an overlapping relationship (FIG. 8). Thereby, when the relay 5 is in the ON state, a part of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 of the movable contact 50 where the movable contact 58 and the fixed contact 18 contact can be made to flow in the moving direction D1. That is, the current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 (movable contact 58) of the movable contact 50 can be reduced. Thereby, compared with the case where the movable contact 50 has a flat plate shape extending only in the orthogonal direction or the case where the second member 54 does not overlap the end face 16, the electromagnetic repulsive force Fe, Fd (FIG. 5) can be reduced.

The second member 54 also has a first end face 51 having a movable contact 58 on the first side (upper side). That is, since the member forming the movable contact 58 is the second member 54, most of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 can be made to flow in the moving direction D1. Thereby, the current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 of the movable contact 50 can be further reduced. Thus, the electromagnetic repulsive forces Fe and Fd (FIG. 5) can be further reduced.

In addition, the second member 54 of the present embodiment extends along the movement direction D1. Thereby, more of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 can be made to flow in the moving direction D1. Therefore, the current density of the component in the orthogonal direction of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 can be further reduced, and therefore, the electromagnetic repulsive forces Fe and Fd (FIG. 5) can be further reduced.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relay 5a of the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the 4-4 cross section of FIG. FIG. 9 illustrates the vicinity of the movable contact 50a disposed inside the relay main body 6a. FIG. 9 also shows an enlarged view of a circled part. The difference between the relay 5a of the second embodiment and the relay 5 of the first embodiment (FIG. 6) is the configuration of the movable contact 50a. The other configuration (for example, the drive mechanism 90) is the same as that of the relay 5 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and the description will be omitted.

The movable contact 50a is formed of a single member. For example, the movable contact 50a is manufactured by pressing a single metal plate. The movable contact 50a includes a central portion 52a, a pair of extending portions 54a, and a pair of opposing portions 56. The facing portion 56 faces the fixed contact 18 located on the same side with respect to the central portion 52a. The facing portion 56 has a movable contact 58 on the facing surface 51 a facing the fixed contact 18. As described above, when the movable contact 50a is manufactured by pressing one metal plate, the end surface of the extending portion 54a and the facing surface 51a are compared with each other. The movable contact 58 can be formed with less man-hours. In addition, the "single member" includes the aspect which has arrange | positioned another member, in order to form the movable contact 58 on the opposing part 56 of the movable contact 50a. For example, the separate member can be formed of a material having higher heat resistance than the other portion (e.g., the extending portion 54a) of the movable contact 50a.

The central portion 52 a is located below the pair of movable contacts 58. Further, in the path connecting the pair of movable contacts 58 on the movable contact 50 a, the central portion 52 a is located between the pair of movable contacts 58. The central portion 52 a is located between the pair of movable contacts 58 in the opposing direction (Y-axis direction). The rod 60 which is a member which comprises the drive mechanism 90 is penetrated by the center part 52a.

The extension portion 54a extends along the moving direction D1 from the central portion 52a toward the upper side (the side on which the fixed contact 18 is located).

Each opposing portion 56 extends from each extending portion 54a. Each opposing portion 56 extends in a direction intersecting the movement direction D1. Specifically, the facing portion 56 extends in a direction (Y-axis direction) in which the pair of fixed terminals 10 face each other in the direction perpendicular to the moving direction D1. Further, the facing portion 56 extends outward of the airtight space 100 from the extending portion 54 a. Further, the end surface (tip surface) 56 p of the facing portion 56 faces the one end surface 16 and faces in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction D 1. Specifically, the end face 56p of the facing portion 56 faces in the facing direction (Y-axis direction).

As in the first embodiment, when the outer edge of the end face 16 is virtually moved along the moving direction D1, at least a portion of the extending portion 54a is located on the same side with respect to the central portion 52a. It is located inside the outer edge of the end face 16. In the present embodiment, at least a portion of the extending portion 54a is located inside the outer edge of the one end surface 16 over the portion from the facing portion 56 of the extending portion 54a to the central portion 52a. For ease of understanding, FIG. 9 shows the outline Ya in the case of virtually moving the outer edge of the end face 16 along the movement direction D1 by a dotted line.

Further, among the surfaces of the movable contact 50a, the first surface Fa located on the fixed contact 18 side (upper side) has a curved surface R1 connecting the extending portion 54a and the facing portion 56 extending from the extending portion 54a. In the present embodiment, the curved surface R1 is arc-shaped. For easy understanding, a portion of the curved surface R1 connected to the facing portion 56 is referred to as one end R1a, and a portion connected to the extension 54a is referred to as the other end R1b (see the enlarged view). Here, at least a part of the curved surface R1 is located inside the contour Ya. That is, when the relay 5 a is vertically projected on a plane perpendicular to the moving direction D 1, at least a part of the curved surface R 1 is in a relation overlapping with the one end surface 16. In the present embodiment, the curved surface R1 corresponds to the "connection surface" described in the means for solving the problem.

The relationship between the one end surface 16 and the movable contact 50a will be described from another viewpoint using FIG. 10 and FIG. FIG. 10 shows one end surface 16 and an extending portion 54a in the case where the relay 5a is vertically projected on a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1. FIG. 11 shows one end surface 16 and a curved surface R1 when the relay 5a is vertically projected onto a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the relay 5a is vertically projected, at least a portion of the extension portion 54a overlaps with the one end surface 16 located on the same side with respect to the central portion 52a. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, when the relay 5a is vertically projected, the curved surface R1 is in a relation of at least partially overlapping with the one end surface 16 located on the same side with respect to the central portion 52a. Here, it is preferable that at least a part of the curved surface R1 including the one end portion R1a be in a relation of overlapping with the one end surface 16.

As described above, the relay 5a of the second embodiment has the facing portion 56 extending in the direction intersecting the moving direction D1 from the extending portion 54a (FIG. 9). Also, the facing portion 56 has a movable contact 58 (FIG. 9). Thereby, compared with the case where it does not have opposing part 56, the volume of movable contact 50a near contact part S1 which movable contact 58 and fixed contact 18 contact can be enlarged. Therefore, the temperature in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 of the movable contact 50a heated by the arc generated between the contact points 18 and 58 can be rapidly reduced.

The movable contact 50a also has a curved surface R1 connecting the facing portion 56 and the extending portion 54a (FIG. 9). As a result, compared to the case where the connecting portion between the facing portion 56 and the extending portion 54a does not have a connecting surface, most of the current flowing in the vicinity of the movable contact 58 can be made to flow in the moving direction D1. Thus, even in the case where the extending portion 54a is provided, it is possible to reduce the current density of the component in the orthogonal direction of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 where the movable contact 58 and the fixed contact 18 contact. Therefore, compared with the case where it does not have a connection surface, electromagnetic repulsive force Fe and Fd (FIG. 5) can be reduced. In particular, as in the present embodiment, when at least a part including the one end R1a of the curved surface R1 overlaps the one end surface 16, more of the current flowing in the vicinity of the movable contact 58 can be made to flow in the moving direction D1. . Thereby, the current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 can be further reduced.

Furthermore, in the relay 5a of the second embodiment, when the relay 5a is vertically projected onto a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1, a part of the curved surface R1 overlaps the one end surface 16. Thereby, more of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 (the movable contact 58) of the movable contact 50a can be made to flow in the moving direction D1. Therefore, the current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 can be further reduced. That is, the electromagnetic repulsive forces Fe and Fd (FIG. 5) can be further reduced.

Further, the relay 5a of the second embodiment is, like the relay 5 of the first embodiment, an extension 54a extending in the moving direction D1 when the relay 5a is vertically projected onto a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1. One part is in the overlapping relation with the end face 16 (FIG. 10). Thus, as in the first embodiment, the current density of the component in the orthogonal direction of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 (the movable contact 58) of the movable contact 50a can be reduced. That is, in the relay 5a of the second embodiment, the electromagnetic repulsive force Fe, Fd (FIG. 5) can be reduced by the extending portion 54a, similarly to the relay 5 of the first embodiment.

Moreover, the movable contact 50a is formed of a single member. Thereby, the movable contact 50a can be easily manufactured. Thereby, the manufacturing cost of the relay 5a can be reduced.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the relay 5b of the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the 4-4 cross section of FIG. Similarly to FIG. 9, FIG. 12 illustrates the vicinity of the movable contact 50b disposed inside the relay body 6b. FIG. 12 also shows an enlarged view of a circled part. The difference between the relay 5b of the third embodiment and the relay 5a of the second embodiment is the direction in which the facing portion 56b of the movable contact 50b extends. The other configuration (for example, the drive mechanism 90) is the same as that of the relay 5a of the second embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The pair of facing portions 56 extend in the direction approaching each other from the extending portion 54a. The positional relationship between the curved surface R1 and the one end surface 16 and the positional relationship between the extending portion 54a and the one end surface 16 have the same relationship as the relay 5a of the second embodiment.

As described above, the relay 5b of the third embodiment has the same effect as that of the second embodiment. For example, the movable contact 50a has a curved surface R1 connecting the facing portion 56b and the extending portion 54a (FIG. 12). Thereby, compared with the case where the connecting portion between the facing portion 56b and the extending portion 54a does not have a connecting surface, it is possible to make most of the current flowing in the vicinity of the movable contact 58 flow in the moving direction D1.

D. Fourth embodiment:
FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the relay 5 c of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the 4-4 cross section of FIG. FIG. 13 illustrates the vicinity of the movable contact 50c disposed inside the relay main body 6c. The difference between the relay 5c of the fourth embodiment and the relay 5 (FIG. 6) of the first embodiment is the shape of the first end face 51c of the second member 54c and the vicinity thereof. The other configuration (for example, the drive mechanism 90) is the same as that of the relay 5 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations and the description will be omitted.

Similar to the second member 54 of the first embodiment, the second member 54c as the extending portion extends along the moving direction D1. Further, the second member 54c does not have the end surface portion 57a (FIG. 6) whose diameter is larger than that of the other portions. Of the second member 54c, a first end face 51c opposite to the end face 16 has a curved surface shape convex on the first side (upper side). A movable contact 58 is provided at the top of the first end face 51c. The relationship between the second member 54c and the end face 16 is the same as that of the relay 5 of the first embodiment. For example, when the relay 5c is vertically projected on a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1, the second member 54c is in a relation of at least partially overlapping the one end face 16. In the present embodiment, all of the second members 54 c are in a relation of overlapping the one end face 16.

As described above, in the relay 5c of the fourth embodiment, the first end face 51c has a curved surface shape that is convex on the first side. As a result, compared to the case where the first end face 51c is flat, it is possible to cause most of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 (movable contact 58) to flow in the moving direction D1. That is, the current density of the component in the orthogonal direction (horizontal component) orthogonal to the moving direction D1 of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 (movable contact 58) of the movable contact 50c can be further reduced. Therefore, the electromagnetic repulsive forces Fe and Fd (FIG. 5) can be further reduced.

E. Modification:
Among the components in the above embodiment, the components other than the components described in the independent claims in the claims are additional components and can be omitted as appropriate. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications can be made.

E-1. First modification:
In the above embodiment, the extending portions 54, 54a, 54c extend along the moving direction D1, but the extending portions 54, 54a, 54c may extend in the direction having the moving direction D1 component. In other words, the movable contacts 50, 50a, 50b, 50c are disposed between the pair of movable contacts 58 and the pair of movable contacts 58, and move in the moving direction D1 of the pair of movable contacts 58 (Z-axis direction, height And the central portions 52 and 52a at different positions with respect to the direction). In other words, the relays 5, 5a, 5b, 5c connect the pair of movable contacts 58 on the first surface Fa located on the fixed contact 18 side among the surfaces of the movable contacts 50, 50a, 50b, 50c. The shortest path on the movable contacts 50, 50a, 50b, and 50c may have a portion having the movement direction D1 component. That is, the first surface Fa of the extending portions 54, 54a, 54c may have the moving direction D1 component. In the movable contacts 50, 50a, 50b, and 50c, at least a part of the connection portion ( extension portions 54, 54a, 54c) connecting the central portions 52, 52a and the movable contact 58 has the following relationship with the one end surface 16: You just have to. That is, when the relays 5, 5a, 5b, 5c are vertically projected on a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1, at least a part of the connection portion may be in a relation overlapping with the one end face 16. Thus, in the ON state of the relays 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, the current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 (the movable contact 58) of the movable contacts 50, 50a, 50b, 50c It can be reduced. Specific examples will be described below.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a first aspect of the first modification. The movable contact 50a1 of the first aspect is an aspect in which a part of the configuration of the movable contact 50a (FIG. 9) of the second embodiment is changed. As shown in FIG. 14, the extending portion 54 a 1 may extend obliquely from the central portion 52 a toward the facing portion 56. The extension portion 54a1 of the first aspect extends in a straight line. Specifically, the extending portion 54a1 extends in a direction having an opposing direction (Y-axis direction) component which is orthogonal to the moving direction D1 and in which the pair of fixed terminals 10 face each other, in addition to the moving direction D1 component.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for describing a second aspect of the first modified example. The movable contact 50a2 of the second aspect is an aspect in which a part of the configuration of the movable contact 50a of the second embodiment is changed. As shown in FIG. 15, the extending portion 54a2 may extend obliquely from the central portion 52a toward the opposing portion 56. The extension portion 54a2 of the first aspect has a bent shape.

As described above, as in the first and second embodiments, the extending portions 54a1 and 54a2 extend in the direction including the opposing direction (Y-axis direction) component. Further, the extending portions 54a1 and 54a2 are movable contact points 58 positioned on the opposite side with respect to the central portion 52a as they move from the movable contact point 58 positioned on the same side with respect to the central portion 52a in the opposing direction. Head to the side. Thus, the lengths of the movable contacts 50a1 and 50a2 connecting the pair of movable contacts 58 can be shortened. Thereby, the electrical resistance of movable contact 50a1, 50a2 can be reduced. Therefore, the voltage drop in the relay at the time of current supply can be suppressed. Also, the weight of the movable contacts 50a1 and 50a2 can be reduced. This can reduce the possibility of the contact between the movable contact 58 and the fixed contact 18 being open (detached) due to external impact or the like. In the movable contacts 50a1 and 50a2 of the first and second embodiments, the pair of extension portions 54a1 and 54a1 are inclined with respect to the movement direction D1 so that they approach each other as they approach the central portion 52a. Thus, the lengths of the movable contacts 50a1 and 50a2 connecting the pair of movable contacts 58 can be further shortened.

E-2. Second modification:
FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a second modification. FIG. 16 is a view showing a fixed terminal 10d of a second modification. As shown in FIG. 16, the one end surface 16a having the fixed contact 18 may have a curved surface shape which is convex downward (second side). By doing this, parallel and opposite components (Y-axis direction components) in the current flowing in the movable contact and the fixed terminal 10 in the region near the contact portion S1 where the movable contact 58 and the fixed contact 18 contact each other Current density can be reduced. Therefore, the electromagnetic repulsive force Fp (FIG. 5) can be reduced. This can further reduce the possibility of separation of the fixed contact 18 and the movable contact 58 when the relay is in the ON state.

E-3. Third modification:
Although the mechanism for moving the movable iron core 72 by magnetic force is used as the drive mechanism 90 in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and another mechanism for moving the movable contact 50 may be used. For example, on the surface of the central portion 52 (FIG. 6) of the movable contact 50 on the side opposite to the side where the fixed terminal 10 is located, a lift portion that can be extended and contracted from the outside is installed. A mechanism for moving the movable contact 50 may be employed. Also, the configuration of the first spring 62 is not limited to the above embodiment, and a configuration not to be displaced according to the movement of the rod 60 or another configuration may be adopted.

E-4. Fourth modified example:
In the above embodiment, the pair of extending portions 54, 54a, 54c both extend in the direction including the moving direction D1 component, and have a relationship in which at least a part thereof overlaps with the one end surface 16 when projected perpendicularly onto a predetermined plane. The However, when one of the pair of extending portions 54, 54a, 54c vertically projects relays 5, 5a, 5b, 5c on a predetermined plane perpendicular to movement direction D1, at least a portion overlaps with one end face 16 It suffices to have a relationship (also referred to as a "first relationship"). Also in this case, it is possible to reduce the current density of the component in the orthogonal direction of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 on the extension portion side having the first relationship. Thereby, compared with the case where neither of a pair of extending | stretching parts has 1st relationship, electromagnetic repulsive force Fe and Fd can be reduced.

E-5. Fifth modification:
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the movable contact 50d. The movable contact 50d differs from the first embodiment in that the movable contact 50 (FIG. 6) of the first embodiment is formed by a single member. The movable contacts 50, 50c of the first and fourth embodiments are formed by using a plurality of different members, but may be formed by a single member as shown in FIG. By doing this, as in the second and third embodiments, the movable contact 50d can be easily manufactured, so that the manufacturing cost of the relay can be reduced.

E-6. Sixth modification:
In the second and third embodiments, the connecting surface connecting the extension portion 54a and the facing portions 56 and 56b is the curved surface R1 (FIGS. 8 and 12), but the shape of the connecting surface is limited to the curved surface. It is not a thing. For example, the connection surface may be inclined so as to be positioned on the lower side (second side) as it goes from the facing portions 56, 56b to the extending portion 54a. For example, the connection surface may be a flat surface (inclined surface) connecting the extension portion 54a and the facing portions 56 and 56b. The inclined surface is inclined with respect to the direction (horizontal direction) orthogonal to the moving direction D1. Even in this case, it is possible to make most of the current flowing in the vicinity of the movable contact 58 flow in the moving direction D1 as compared with the case where the connecting portion between the facing portions 56 and 56b and the extending portion 54a does not have a connecting surface. Therefore, as in the second and third embodiments, the current density of the component in the orthogonal direction of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 where the movable contact 58 and the fixed contact 18 contact can be reduced. Further, as in the second and third embodiments, when the relay is vertically projected on a predetermined plane perpendicular to the moving direction D1, at least a portion including the one end portion R1a which is a portion connected to the facing portions 56 and 56b. Preferably overlap with the end face 16. By doing this, as in the second and third embodiments, the current density of the orthogonal direction component of the current flowing in the vicinity of the contact portion S1 can be further reduced.

5 to 5c: relay 6 to 6c: main body 10, 10d, 10z: fixed terminal 16, 16a: one end surface 18, 18z: fixed contact 20: first container 50 to 50c, 50z, 50a1, 50a2: movable contact 51: first end face 51a: facing surface 51c: first end face 52, 52a: central portion 54: second member (stretched portion)
54a ... extended section 54c ... second member (extended section)
54a1 Extension portion 55 First member 56 to 56b Opposite portion 57a End surface portion 57b Other portion 58, 58z Moveable contact 90 Drive mechanism 92 Second container R1 Curved surface S1 Contact portion D1 Movement direction Fa ... 1st surface Fd, Fe, Fp ... Lorentz force (electromagnetic repulsive force)

Claims (9)

1. A pair of fixed terminals each having a fixed contact on one end surface,
   A movable contact having a pair of movable contacts respectively facing the fixed contacts;
   A drive mechanism for moving the movable contact to bring the movable contact into contact with the opposing fixed contact;
   In the movement direction of the movable contact, the side on which the fixed contact is positioned is the first side, and the side on which the movable contact is positioned is the second side.
   The movable contact is
   A central portion positioned between the pair of movable contacts in a path connecting the pair of movable contacts on the movable contact, and positioned on a second side of the movable contacts;
   And a pair of extending portions positioned between the central portion and the pair of movable contacts in the path and extending in a direction including the movement direction component,
   At least one of the pair of extending portions is
   A relay according to claim 1, wherein when said relay is vertically projected onto a predetermined plane perpendicular to said moving direction, at least a part thereof overlaps with said one end surface located on the same side with respect to said central portion.
2. In the relay according to claim 1,
   The extension portion having the relationship is
   Having the movable contact on a first end face located on the first side;
   The relay according to claim 1, wherein the first end face of the extension portion having the relationship has a curved surface shape convex to the first side.
3. In the relay according to claim 1,
   The movable contact is further
   It has a pair of opposing parts which respectively extend from the pair of extending parts in a direction intersecting the moving direction and which respectively oppose the pair of fixed contacts,
   The relay according to claim 1, wherein the pair of opposing portions have the movable contact on an opposing surface that faces the fixed contact.
4. In the relay according to claim 3,
   Among the surfaces of the movable contact, a first surface located on the fixed contact side has a connecting surface connecting the extending portion having the relationship and the opposing portion extending from the extending portion having the relationship. A relay characterized by
5. In the relay according to claim 4,
   A relay according to claim 1, wherein when said relay is vertically projected on said predetermined plane, at least a part of said connection surface is in a relation overlapping with said one end surface.
6. The relay according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
   The relay according to claim 1, wherein the extension portion having the relationship extends along the moving direction.
7. The relay according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
   A direction in which the extension portion having the relationship extends includes a facing direction component which is orthogonal to the moving direction and in which the pair of fixed terminals face each other,
   The extending portion having the relationship is the movable contact positioned on the opposite side with respect to the central portion as going from the movable contact side located on the same side with respect to the central portion in the opposing direction from the movable contact side to the central portion A relay, characterized in that it is directed to the side.
8. The relay according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
   The relay according to claim 1, wherein the one end surface located on the same side as the extension portion having the relation with respect to the central portion is a curved surface shape convex to the second side.
9. The relay according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
   The relay according to claim 1, wherein the movable contact is formed by a single member.

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